Power Management for a  Vehicle Smart Mirror System

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a vehicle mirror includes an on-board diagnostics (OBD) transceiver and one or more processors. The processors access OBD data received by the OBD transceiver from an OBD port of a vehicle. The processors further determine, from the OBD data, a vehicle type, a change in voltage of the vehicle&#39;s battery, and a secondary vehicle factor. When the vehicle is determined to be a combustion engine vehicle, the processors transition the vehicle mirror from a sleep power state to an awake power state when the change in voltage is greater than a predetermined amount and the secondary factor of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold. When the vehicle is determined to be an electric vehicle, the processors transition the vehicle mirror from the sleep power state to the awake power state when any activity is detected in the OBD data and the secondary factor of the vehicle is greater than the predetermined threshold.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to vehicles and more specifically topower management for a vehicle smart mirror system.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles such as automobiles typically have multiple mirrors to assistthe driver in safely operating the vehicle. For example, most carsinclude a main rearview mirror mounted to the windshield and two sidemirrors mounted on both sides of the vehicle. However, typical mirrors,especially on older vehicles, do not have enhanced functionality.

SUMMARY OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, a vehicle mirror includes an on-boarddiagnostics (OBD) transceiver, one or more processors, and memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The processorsaccess OBD data received by the OBD transceiver from an OBD port of avehicle. The processors further determine, from the OBD data, a vehicletype of the vehicle, a change in voltage of a battery of the vehicle,and a secondary factor of the vehicle. When the vehicle type isdetermined to be a combustion engine vehicle, the processors transitionthe vehicle mirror from a sleep power state to an awake power state whenthe change in voltage is greater than a predetermined amount and thesecondary factor of the vehicle is greater than a predeterminedthreshold. When the vehicle type is determined to be an electric engine,the processors transition the vehicle mirror from the sleep power stateto the awake power state when any activity is detected in the OBD dataand the secondary factor of the vehicle is greater than thepredetermined threshold.

Technical advantages of certain embodiments may include providing asmart rearview mirror system that increases the safety, comfort, anddriver satisfaction of their vehicle. In some embodiments, powermanagement techniques may be implemented by the smart rearview mirrorsystem in order to conserve power and prevent battery drainage. In someembodiments, a heads-up display (HUD) projector may be utilized within asmart rearview mirror system in order to project images and data ontothe windshield of a vehicle, thereby increasing safety and conveniencefor the driver. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent toone skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, andclaims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above,various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumeratedadvantages.

The embodiments disclosed above are only examples, and the scope of thisdisclosure is not limited to them. Particular embodiments may includeall, some, or none of the components, elements, features, functions,operations, or steps of the embodiments disclosed above. Embodimentsaccording to the invention are in particular disclosed in the attachedclaims directed to a method, a storage medium, a system and a computerprogram product, wherein any feature mentioned in one claim category,e.g. method, can be claimed in another claim category, e.g. system, aswell. The dependencies or references back in the attached claims arechosen for formal reasons only. However, any subject matter resultingfrom a deliberate reference back to any previous claims (in particularmultiple dependencies) can be claimed as well, so that any combinationof claims and the features thereof are disclosed and can be claimedregardless of the dependencies chosen in the attached claims. Thesubject-matter which can be claimed comprises not only the combinationsof features as set out in the attached claims but also any othercombination of features in the claims, wherein each feature mentioned inthe claims can be combined with any other feature or combination ofother features in the claims. Furthermore, any of the embodiments andfeatures described or depicted herein can be claimed in a separate claimand/or in any combination with any embodiment or feature described ordepicted herein or with any of the features of the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle that includes a smart rearviewmirror, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate example embodiments of the smart rearview mirror ofFIG. 1, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example smart rearview mirror that includes anintegrated heads-up display projector, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a power-management method that may be utilized by thesmart rearview mirror of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a plot of a vehicle battery voltage, according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a chart of various power-management and trip startand stop logic that may be utilized by the smart rearview mirror of FIG.1, according to certain embodiments.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate additional power-management methods that may beutilized by the smart mirror of FIG. 1, according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a heads-up display (HUD) projector calibrationmethod that may be utilized by the smart mirror of FIG. 1, according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example computer system that may be used bycertain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Vehicles such as automobiles typically have multiple mirrors to assistthe driver in safely operating the vehicle. For example, most carsinclude a main rearview mirror mounted to the windshield and two sidemirrors mounted on both sides of the vehicle. However, typical mirrors,especially on older vehicles, do not have enhanced functionality.

To address the shortcomings of typical mirrors used in vehicles such asautomobiles, embodiments of the disclosure provide a smart mirror systemthat may be installed or retrofitted on any appropriate vehicle. As oneexample, a smart rearview mirror may be installed to provide enhancedfunctionality to older cars that otherwise do not have suchcapabilities. The functionality may include, for example, globalpositioning system (GPS), Bluetooth, WiFi, and tire pressure monitoringfunctionality. In some embodiments, the smart rearview mirror mayinclude a heads-up display (HUD) projector that displays informationfrom the smart mirror onto a HUD reflector on the windshield. The HUDreflector may be applied to an existing windshield (e.g., stick-onfilm), or it may be integrated into the windshield. In some embodiments,the smart mirror may include logic that determines when the vehicle'sengine starts/stops, when a trip starts/stops, and when to wake or sleepthe smart mirror in order to conserve power. These and other features ofa smart review mirror system are described in more detail below inreference to FIGS. 1-13.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example vehicle 120 that includes a smart mirror100, according to certain embodiments. Vehicle 120 is any appropriatemeans of transportation in which a driver may benefit from the use of amirror (e.g., rearview mirror, side mirror, etc.). For example, vehicle120 includes, but is not limited to, any ground-based vehicle such as anautomobile, a motorcycle, an RV, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a golfcart, a tractor, a truck, construction equipment, and the like. Smartmirror 100 may be in any position on vehicle 120. For example, smartmirror 100 may be the main rearview mirror that is mounted on awindshield of vehicle 120, or in some embodiments, may be a side mirrorthat is positioned on either side of vehicle 120. In some embodiments,smart mirror 100 may be modular aftermarket vehicle computer (MAVC).

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate example embodiments of smart mirror 100. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, smart mirror 100 may include anOBD (on-board diagnostic) transceiver 220, a compass/gyro 235, one ormore accelerometers 240, a Bluetooth transceiver 250, a GPS transceiver260, a thermistor 270, memory 280, and a processor 290. Smart mirror 100may communicate with an OBD port 110 either wirelessly or via a wiredconnection. In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 may communicateindirectly with OBD port 110 via an optional wireless relay 115. In someembodiments, wireless relay 115 may be any appropriate vehiclecommunications module (VCM).

OBD port 110 is any standard OBD port that is typically found in manyvehicles. In general, OBD port provides OBD data 112 to smart mirror100. In some embodiments, OBD port 110 provides self-diagnostic andvehicle reporting capabilities. In some embodiments, OBD port 110provides access to the status of the various vehicle subsystems. In someembodiments, OBD port 110 is an OBD-II port. OBD port 110 communicateswith smart mirror 100 using any standard protocol typically utilized byOBD ports.

In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 may provide (e.g., via a mobileapp running on a client system 130 or via embedded display 310): tripsand routes (e.g., mapped routes), speeds, hard braking/acceleration,collisions, battery health, etc. Such features may be provided byanalyzing OBD data 112 from OBD port 110 or from one or more othercomponents of smart mirror 100 (e.g., GPS transceiver 260, accelerometer240, etc.). In embodiments that communicate with OBD port 110, smartmirror 100 may additionally provide: a vehicle identification number(VIN) of vehicle 120, odometer/miles, fuel level/fuel economy, enginetemperatures, trouble codes, etc. These additional features may beprovided by analyzing data from OBD port 110.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, certain embodiments ofsmart mirror 100 may include additional components such as an embeddeddisplay 310, a TPMS receiver 230, a speaker/mic 315, a WiFi system 320,a cellular transceiver 325, a battery 330, an RF transmitter 335 (e.g.,to open garage doors), a HUD projector 520, a light 340, a radar/lidar345, one or more cameras 350, a solar charging system 360, and generalI/O 370.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, certain embodiments ofsmart mirror 100 may communicate via a communications link 420 with oneor more client systems 130. Client system 130 may, in turn, communicatewith a network 410 (e.g., the Internet or a cellular data network). Thismay enable smart mirror 100 to display data on client system 130 and tostore data (e.g., routes, mileage, fuel economy, etc.) in network 410that may be later accessed via another client system 130 or smart mirror100. In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 may communicate directly withnetwork 410 using cellular transceiver 325.

Communication link 420 may utilize any appropriate standard orproprietary communications protocol. In some embodiments, communicationslink 420 may utilize Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth low energy), and thelike. In some embodiments, communications link 420 may utilize aproprietary protocol in conjunction with or in place of a standardprotocol such as Bluetooth. Communications link 420 may also be utilizedto communicate with accessory devices such as remote cameras, remotesensors, door lock modules, remote start modules, window controlmodules, infotainment modules, occupant displays, and the like.

In particular embodiments, client system 130 may be an electronic deviceincluding hardware, software, or embedded logic components or acombination of two or more such components and capable of carrying outthe appropriate functionalities implemented or supported by clientsystem 130. As an example and not by way of limitation, a client system130 may include a computer system such as a desktop computer, notebookor laptop computer, netbook, a tablet computer, e-book reader, GPSdevice, camera, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld electronicdevice, cellular telephone, smartphone, augmented/virtual realitydevice, other suitable electronic device, or any suitable combinationthereof. This disclosure contemplates any suitable client systems 130. Aclient system 130 may enable its user to communicate with smart mirror100 and to view data from smart mirror 100.

In particular embodiments, client system 130 may include a mobileapplication (e.g., an “app”) and/or a web browser (e.g., MICROSOFTINTERNET EXPLORER, GOOGLE CHROME, MOZILLA FIREFOX, etc.) for viewinginformation from smart mirror 100. For example, a mobile app on clientdevice 130 may display routes, mileage, fuel economy, etc. from smartmirror 100.

While FIGS. 2-4 illustrate certain types and quantities of components ofsmart mirror 100, other embodiments of smart mirror 100 may include anyother appropriate number or types of components for providing thefunctionality described herein. In addition, while smart mirror 100 isillustrated as including processor 290, other embodiments many include amicrocontroller, a computer system such as computer system 1300described below, or one or more microprocessors such as processor 1302described below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example smart mirror 100 that includes anintegrated HUD projector 520 that may be used to project informationfrom smart mirror 100 onto a windshield 510 of vehicle 120 or a HUDreflector 540 attached to or integrated within windshield 510. This mayallow the driver of vehicle 120 to easily obtain information withouthaving to take their eyes off of the road, thus increasing the safety ofvehicle 120.

HUD reflector 540 is any appropriate material (e.g., plastic) that isable to reflect and display light that is projected from HUD projector520. In some embodiments, HUD reflector 540 is integrated withinwindshield 510. That is, HUD reflector 540 may be manufactured withinwindshield 510. In other embodiments, HUD reflector 540 is anaftermarket add-on (e.g., a stick-on film). In some embodiments, HUDprojector 520 may project images onto a mirror (e.g., on the dash ofvehicle 120) that reflects the images onto HUD reflector 540 orwindshield 510 of vehicle 120.

In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 automatically configures itself toaccurately project images from HUD projector 520 onto an appropriatelocation on windshield 510. In some embodiments, smart mirror 100automatically reconfigures HUD projector 520 after detecting movement ofsmart mirror 100 (e.g., from a manual user adjustment of smart mirror100). Example embodiments of the automatic calibration of smart mirror100 are discussed in more detail below in reference to FIG. 12.

FIG. 6 illustrates a power-management method 600 that may be utilized bythe smart review mirror of FIG. 1. In general, method 600 may be used bysmart mirror 100 to determine when to wake smart mirror 100 (i.e., bringsmart mirror 100 out of a low-power mode) and to determine tripstarts/stops. Method 600 may begin in step 610 where OBD data that hasbeen received by an OBD transceiver from an OBD port of a vehicle inwhich the vehicle mirror is installed is accessed. In some embodiments,the OBD data is OBD data 112 and the vehicle mirror is smart mirror 100.

At step 620, method 600 determines, from the OBD data of step 610, avehicle type of the vehicle in which the vehicle mirror is installed. Insome embodiments, the vehicle type comprises either a combustion enginevehicle or an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, this step mayinclude accessing a VIN from OBD 112 and then searching a database usingthe VIN to determine whether the vehicle utilizes a combustion engine oran electric engine.

At step 630, method 600 determines a change in voltage of a battery ofthe vehicle using the OBD data of step 610. In some embodiments, thisstep may include determining a delta voltage over a certain period oftime. For example, method 600 may determine how much the voltage haschanged over a one-second time interval.

At step 640, method 600 determines, from the OBD data of step 610, asecondary factor of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the secondaryfactor may be an RPM of the engine of the vehicle as determined from theOBD data. In some embodiments, the secondary factor is a speed of thevehicle as determined from the OBD data.

At step 650, method 600 determines the vehicle type of step 620 is acombustion engine vehicle or an electric vehicle. If the vehicle type isa combustion engine vehicle, method 600 proceeds to step 660. If thevehicle type is an electric vehicle, method 600 proceeds to step 680.

At step 660, method 600 transitions the vehicle mirror from a sleeppower state to an awake power state when the change in voltage of step630 is greater than a predetermined amount and the secondary factor ofthe vehicle of step 640 is greater than a predetermined threshold. As aspecific example, method 600 transitions the vehicle mirror from a sleeppower state to an awake power state when the change in voltage of step630 is greater than +/−1V and the RPM of the engine of the vehicle asdetermined from the OBD data is greater than 100. As another specificexample, method 600 transitions the vehicle mirror from a sleep powerstate to an awake power state when the change in voltage of step 630 isgreater than +/−1V and the speed of the vehicle as determined from theOBD data is greater than 5 MPH.

At step 670, method 600 transitions the vehicle mirror from a sleeppower state to an awake power state when any activity is detected in theOBD data of step 610 and the secondary factor of the vehicle of step 640is greater than a predetermined threshold. As a specific example, method600 transitions the vehicle mirror from a sleep power state to an awakepower state when any activity is detected in the OBD data and the RPM ofthe engine of the vehicle as determined from the OBD data is greaterthan 100. As another specific example, method 600 transitions thevehicle mirror from a sleep power state to an awake power state when anyactivity is detected in the OBD data and the speed of the vehicle asdetermined from the OBD data is greater than 5 MPH.

At step 680, method 600 transmits data associated with the OBD data fordisplay in an embedded display of the vehicle mirror or on a clientdevice. In some embodiments, the embedded display is embedded display310. In some embodiments, the displayed data may be trip information,tire pressure information, GPS information, or any other informationdescribed herein. After step 680, method 600 may end.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate additional logic that may be utilized forpower-management and determining trip starts/stops by smart mirror 100,according to certain embodiments. More specifically, these figuresillustrate example logic and methods that may be used by smart mirror100 to determine engine and trip starts/stops and to determine when towake or put smart mirror 100 to sleep. While particular example valuesare illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 (e.g., voltage, speed, RPM, time, etc.), itshould be understood that these values are merely examples forillustrative purposes only and other embodiments may utilize any otherappropriate values. For example, other embodiments mayutilize+/−0.1-0.9%, 1-9%, or 10-20% of the illustrated values.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, some embodiments of smart mirror 100 may‘wake’ and ‘sleep’ based upon voltage changes upon the vehicle'selectrical system and/or the presence of OBD communications. When avehicle's engine is running, its alternator typically provides a fixedvoltage of 13.8 to 14.4 V onto the vehicle's electrical system to chargethe battery. When the engine is off, the electrical system's voltagerapidly returns to the battery's nominal voltage. When the engine isstarted, the electrical system's voltage very quickly dips below nominalvoltage (as starter motor engages), and then immediately rises backabove nominal voltage as the starter disengages and the alternatorbegins supplying power.

Whenever smart mirror 100 is powered (e.g., physically connected to abattery or diagnostic port), its OBD circuitry may continuously monitorthe voltage provided by the vehicle electrical system through the OBDinterface. By continuously or periodically monitoring the voltageprovided by the vehicle electrical system through the OBD interface,smart mirror 100 may detect the large swing in voltage between the“engine start” point and the “engine running-alternator on” point asillustrated in FIG. 7. If the detected voltage differential or “swing”is greater than a predetermined amount (e.g., +/−1V DC), then smartmirror 100 may determine that the engine has been started. Based on thisdetection, smart mirror 100 may then transition smart mirror 100 from alow-power “sleep” mode to a normal, higher-power “awake” mode. Bytransitioning smart mirror 100 to “awake” mode in only certainsituations, smart mirror 100 may reduce power consumption and preventbattery drainage of vehicle 120.

FIG. 8 illustrates logic 800 that may be used by smart mirror 100 todetermine a trip start/stop or to wake smart mirror 100. In someembodiments, which logic 800 that is utilized by smart mirror 100 maydepend on the type of vehicle 120 (e.g., electric, traditionalcombustion, etc.) as illustrated in the first column of FIG. 8. Logic800 may utilize delta voltage, speed, OBD communication status, batteryvoltage, RPM, etc. to determine a trip start/stop as illustrated in FIG.8.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 that may be used by smart mirror 100 todetermine a trip start and to determine when smart mirror 100 shouldwake up (e.g., power up). In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 samplesthe vehicle's voltage periodically (e.g., every 0.25 seconds). If themeasured voltage between any two samples differs by +/−1 V, then smartmirror 100 ‘wakes’ and then may proceed with an arming process. Method900 may include other determination steps as illustrated.

In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 indicates it is entering an armingprocess with an indication such as a blinking LED. In some embodiments,smart mirror 100 may arm once the engine RPM (e.g., “AT OC” OBD command)returns a value greater than a certain amount (e.g., 100), or it mayreturn to sleep after a certain time period (e.g., ten minutes) withoutan acceptable RPM indication. In some embodiments, if vehicle voltageexceeds a high-voltage amount (e.g., 12.6V), then smart mirror 100 mayremain in the pre-armed wake state indefinitely.

FIG. 10 illustrates an additional power-management method 1000 that maybe utilized by smart mirror 100, according to certain embodiments. Ingeneral, method 1000 may be used to place smart mirror 100 in alower-power “sleep” mode in order to conserve power and prevent batterydrain. Method 1000 may begin in step 1010. In step 1010, method 1000accesses OBD data that has been received by an OBD transceiver from anOBD port of a vehicle in which the vehicle mirror is installed isaccessed. In some embodiments, the OBD data is OBD data 112 and thevehicle mirror is smart mirror 100.

At step 1020, method 1000 monitors the OBD data to determine whethercommunications with the OBD port have been lost. For example, method1000 may repeatedly issue OBD commands and determine if any data isreceived in response. If no OBD data is received for a predeterminedamount of time (e.g., thirty seconds), method 1000 may determine thatcommunications with the OBD port have been lost.

At step 1030, method 1000 determines, from the OBD data of step 1010, aspeed of the vehicle. For example, method 1000 may issue an appropriateOBD vehicle speed command and receive the vehicle's speed back in OBDdata 112.

At step 1040, method 1000 determines, from a GPS transceiver of thevehicle mirror, a speed of the vehicle. At step 1050, method 1000determines from the OBD data of step 1010, an engine RPM of the vehicle.For example, method 1000 may issue an appropriate OBD vehicle RPMcommand and receive the vehicle engine's RPM back in OBD data 112.

At step 1060, method 1000 takes different actions based on thedetermination of step 1020. If it is determined in step 1020 thatcommunications with the OBD port have been lost, method 1000 proceeds tostep 1095 where the mirror is transitioned from an awake mode to alower-power sleep mode. If it is determined in step 1020 thatcommunications with the OBD port have not been lost, method 1000proceeds to step 1070.

At step 1070, method 1000 transitions the vehicle mirror from an awakepower state to a sleep power state when the OBD speed of step 1030 iszero for a predetermined amount of time and the OBD RPM is less than athreshold RPM amount. As a specific example, method 1000 transitions thevehicle mirror from an awake power state to a sleep power state when theOBD speed of step 1030 is zero for at least ten minutes and the OBD RPMis less than 100.

At step 108, method 1000 transitions the vehicle mirror from an awakepower state to a sleep power state when the GPS speed of step 1040 isless than a threshold GPS speed for a predetermined amount of time andthe OBD RPM is less than a threshold RPM amount. As a specific example,method 1000 transitions the vehicle mirror from an awake power state toa sleep power state when the GPS speed of step 1040 is less than 5 MPHfor at least ten minutes and the OBD RPM is less than 100.

At step 1090, method 1000 transmits data associated with the OBD datafor display in an embedded display of the vehicle mirror or on a clientdevice. In some embodiments, the embedded display is embedded display310. In some embodiments, the displayed data may be trip information,tire pressure information, GPS information, or any other informationdescribed herein. After step 1090, method 1000 may end.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 that may be used by smart mirror 100to determine a trip end and to determine when smart mirror 100 shouldsleep (e.g., power down). In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 willinitiate its going to sleep process whenever the following apply: thevehicle stops responding to the vehicle speed OBD command (AT 0D) for acontinuous duration of time (e.g., 60 seconds), OR measured vehiclevoltage drops below a certain threshold (e.g., 12.6V) for a continuousperiod of time (e.g., ten seconds), OR the vehicle's engine reports (viaOBD command AT 0C) an RPM of less than a certain amount (e.g., 100) fora continuous period of time (e.g., five minutes, sampled every thirtyseconds). Method 1100 may include other determination steps asillustrated.

In some embodiments, if at any time the vehicle's voltage is less than acertain lower threshold (e.g., <9.0v), then smart mirror 100 maycompletely shut down such that it draws zero (or near zero) current. Insome embodiments, smart mirror 100 may require removal andre-installation before it will once again power-up.

FIG. 12 illustrates a HUD projector calibration method 1200 that may beutilized by smart mirror 100, according to certain embodiments. Method1200 may be used to automatically configure smart mirror 100 after aninitial installation or after power-up in order to accurately projectimages from HUD projector 520 onto an appropriate location on windshield510 (e.g., onto HUD reflector 540). In some embodiments, method 1200 maybe used to automatically reconfigure HUD projector 520 after detectingmovement of smart mirror 100 (e.g., from a manual user adjustment ofsmart mirror 100).

In general, smart mirror 100 may automatically search for data toidentify the identification (e.g., VIN) or type of vehicle 120 in whichsmart mirror 100 is installed. Example sources of the data may be OBDport 110 and network 410. Once the VIN or type of vehicle 120 has beendetermined, smart mirror 100 may then determine one or more calibrationparameters for HUD projector 520 (e.g., an appropriate projector angle530 in which to project light from HUD projector 520 in order to be inthe proper position for the driver). Smart mirror 100 may additionallyor alternatively determine a width of windshield 510, a driver positionwithin vehicle 120, a height of the driver, etc., or it may consultspecifications stored in smart mirror 100 or network 140 for the type ofvehicle 120. Once appropriate projector calibration parameters for HUDprojector 520 have been determined, instructions may be sent to HUDprojector 520 to correctly configure HUD projector 520 according to thecalibration parameters so that light may be correctly and accuratelyprojected for the driver.

At step 1210, method 1200 accesses OBD data received by an OBDtransceiver from an OBD port of a vehicle in which a vehicle mirror isinstalled. In some embodiments, the OBD data is OBD data 112 and the OBDport is OBD port 110. In some embodiments, the vehicle is vehicle 120and the vehicle mirror is smart mirror 100.

At step 1220, method 1200 determines an identification of the vehiclefrom the OBD data accessed in step 1210. In some embodiments, theidentification is a VIN of vehicle 120. In some embodiments, theidentification is a year, make, and model of vehicle 120 that may bedetermined by cross-referencing a VIN of vehicle 120 with a database ofknown VINs.

At step 1230, method 1200 determines one or more calibration parametersfor the HUD projector based on the determined identification of thevehicle. In some embodiments, the one or more calibration parameters areoperable to position a displayed image from the HUD projector onto a HUDreflector within a line-of-sight of a driver of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the one or more calibration parameters include one or moreof a projection angle, a vertical keystone setting, a horizontalkeystone setting, a magnification setting, a zoom setting, a verticalposition setting, a horizontal position setting, and an image sizesetting. In some embodiments, the one or more calibration parameters aredetermined by searching a database of known calibration parameters usingthe VIN of vehicle 120. As an example, the database may indicate thatfor a specific VIN, a particular projection angle, a particular zoomsetting, and particular coordinates (e.g., left, right, up, downadjustments) should be used for the HUD projector in order to display animage from the HUD projector onto a HUD reflector within a line-of-sightof an average-sized driver of the vehicle.

At step 1240, method 1200 sends one or more instructions based on theone or more calibration parameters to the HUD projector. For example, ifthe one or more calibration parameters of step 1230 indicate aparticular image zoom setting, method 1200 may send one or moreinstructions to set the HUD projector to the particular zoom setting.

At step 1250, method 1200 detects movement of the mirror. In someembodiments, movement of the mirror is detected by a motion-detectiondevice such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer. The motion-detectiondevice may be embedded within the mirror or otherwise coupled to themirror. In some embodiments, the movement may be caused by a drivermanually moving the mirror (e.g., to adjust the mirror to their liking).Or, the movement may be caused by jolts to the vehicle or accidentalbumping of the mirror by a driver or passenger.

At step 1260, method 1200 sends one or more additional instructions tothe HUD projector to adjust the displayed image based on the detectedmovement of step 1250. For example, if step 1250 detects movement of themirror in a downward direction by a certain distance, method 1200 mayinstruct the HUD projector to shift the displayed image the samedistance in an upward direction. After step 1260, method 1200 may end.

Proper calibration of the mirror's HUD projector beam is important toachieving a quality and legible display for the user. The distance andrelative angle between the projection source and the target display onthe front windshield greatly affect how the projected image will bedisplayed. As the distance between the projector and target surfaceincrease, the displayed image will become larger. Also, as the relativeangle between the projector output and plane of the target display areaincreases beyond 90 degrees, the overall shape of the displayed imagewill skew from a rectangle into a trapezoid. This results because thelight from one or more sides of the projected image must travel agreater distance than the light on the opposing side before reaching thetarget display plane.

HUD projector 520 may utilize existing methods for correcting variationsin projector-to-target display area orientation. For example, keystonecorrection may be used to manipulate the projected image verticallyand/or horizontally to deliver a properly proportioned display for theuser. Likewise, magnification or zoom of the image can be adjusted toincrease the overall size of the displayed image to compensate forvariations in distance between the display area and projector source.

Electronic control over horizontal and vertical keystone, as well asoverall image magnification is especially important for a mirror-mountedHUD system used in vehicles. Each make, model, year, and type of vehiclewill have a unique windshield to rearview mirror orientation anddistance.

After initial installation, smart mirror 100 may automatically calibrateitself to its installed vehicle using known-good, pre-tested calibrationparameters for the specific make, model, year, and type of vehicle 120.In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 uses its OBDII interface to queryvehicle 120 for its VIN. A vehicle's VIN may be used to determine theexact make, model, year, and type of that specific vehicle. Once smartmirror 100 retrieves the vehicle's VIN, it may use the VIN to query adatabase for the HUD projector calibration parameters applicable to thatspecific vehicle. In some embodiments, smart mirror 100 communicateswith the VIN/calibration database using an integrated wireless modem. Inother embodiments it may use a Bluetooth or other locally connecteddevice to connect to a remove or local VIN/calibration database. In someembodiments, smart mirror 100 may store its calibration data locally, sothat it may routinely refresh the calibration settings.

After initial calibration, smart mirror 100 may be equipped toautomatically adjust the direction and calibration of the projectedimage to automatically compensate for manual user adjustment of theposition of the rearview mirror. This is particularly relevant forembodiments where the HUD projector is located within the pivotablemirror body, and not immovably mounted on the fixed mirror mountingbracket area.

For example, a shorter driver may need to angle the rearview mirror downtowards them by a few degrees to enable better sightlines out the rearwindow. Without automatic compensation, this would cause the projectedimage to rise on the target display area, and could also adverselyaffect the keystone of the displayed image.

Some embodiments of smart mirror 100 incorporate gyroscope(s) and/oraccelerometers to detect and quantify manual mirror adjustments. Theintegrated processor module uses these metrics to calculate any requiredcorrections, and then commands the appropriate electronic projectorcontrol electronics to adjust the image accordingly.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example computer system 1300. In particularembodiments, one or more computer systems 1300 perform one or more stepsof one or more methods described or illustrated herein. In particularembodiments, one or more computer systems 1300 provide functionalitydescribed or illustrated herein. In particular embodiments, softwarerunning on one or more computer systems 1300 performs one or more stepsof one or more methods described or illustrated herein or providesfunctionality described or illustrated herein. Particular embodimentsinclude one or more portions of one or more computer systems 1300.Herein, reference to a computer system may encompass a computing device,and vice versa, where appropriate. Moreover, reference to a computersystem may encompass one or more computer systems, where appropriate.

This disclosure contemplates any suitable number of computer systems1300. This disclosure contemplates computer system 1300 taking anysuitable physical form. As example and not by way of limitation,computer system 1300 may be an embedded computer system, asystem-on-chip (SOC), a single-board computer system (SBC) (such as, forexample, a computer-on-module (COM) or system-on-module (SOM)), adesktop computer system, a laptop or notebook computer system, aninteractive kiosk, a mainframe, a mesh of computer systems, a mobiletelephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a server, a tabletcomputer system, an augmented/virtual reality device, or a combinationof two or more of these. Where appropriate, computer system 1300 mayinclude one or more computer systems 1300; be unitary or distributed;span multiple locations; span multiple machines; span multiple datacenters; or reside in a cloud, which may include one or more cloudcomponents in one or more networks. Where appropriate, one or morecomputer systems 1300 may perform without substantial spatial ortemporal limitation one or more steps of one or more methods describedor illustrated herein. As an example and not by way of limitation, oneor more computer systems 1300 may perform in real time or in batch modeone or more steps of one or more methods described or illustratedherein. One or more computer systems 1300 may perform at different timesor at different locations one or more steps of one or more methodsdescribed or illustrated herein, where appropriate.

In particular embodiments, computer system 1300 includes a processor1302, memory 1304, storage 1306, an input/output (I/O) interface 1308, acommunication interface 1313, and a bus 1312. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates a particular computer system having aparticular number of particular components in a particular arrangement,this disclosure contemplates any suitable computer system having anysuitable number of any suitable components in any suitable arrangement.

In particular embodiments, processor 1302 includes hardware forexecuting instructions, such as those making up a computer program. Asan example and not by way of limitation, to execute instructions,processor 1302 may retrieve (or fetch) the instructions from an internalregister, an internal cache, memory 1304, or storage 1306; decode andexecute them; and then write one or more results to an internalregister, an internal cache, memory 1304, or storage 1306. In particularembodiments, processor 1302 may include one or more internal caches fordata, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplates processor1302 including any suitable number of any suitable internal caches,where appropriate. As an example and not by way of limitation, processor1302 may include one or more instruction caches, one or more datacaches, and one or more translation lookaside buffers (TLBs).Instructions in the instruction caches may be copies of instructions inmemory 1304 or storage 1306, and the instruction caches may speed upretrieval of those instructions by processor 1302. Data in the datacaches may be copies of data in memory 1304 or storage 1306 forinstructions executing at processor 1302 to operate on; the results ofprevious instructions executed at processor 1302 for access bysubsequent instructions executing at processor 1302 or for writing tomemory 1304 or storage 1306; or other suitable data. The data caches mayspeed up read or write operations by processor 1302. The TLBs may speedup virtual-address translation for processor 1302. In particularembodiments, processor 1302 may include one or more internal registersfor data, instructions, or addresses. This disclosure contemplatesprocessor 1302 including any suitable number of any suitable internalregisters, where appropriate. Where appropriate, processor 1302 mayinclude one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs); be a multi-coreprocessor; or include one or more processors 1302. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates a particular processor, thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable processor.

In particular embodiments, memory 1304 includes main memory for storinginstructions for processor 1302 to execute or data for processor 1302 tooperate on. As an example and not by way of limitation, computer system1300 may load instructions from storage 1306 or another source (such as,for example, another computer system 1300) to memory 1304. Processor1302 may then load the instructions from memory 1304 to an internalregister or internal cache. To execute the instructions, processor 1302may retrieve the instructions from the internal register or internalcache and decode them. During or after execution of the instructions,processor 1302 may write one or more results (which may be intermediateor final results) to the internal register or internal cache. Processor1302 may then write one or more of those results to memory 1304. Inparticular embodiments, processor 1302 executes only instructions in oneor more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 1304 (asopposed to storage 1306 or elsewhere) and operates only on data in oneor more internal registers or internal caches or in memory 1304 (asopposed to storage 1306 or elsewhere). One or more memory buses (whichmay each include an address bus and a data bus) may couple processor1302 to memory 1304. Bus 1312 may include one or more memory buses, asdescribed below. In particular embodiments, one or more memorymanagement units (MMUs) reside between processor 1302 and memory 1304and facilitate accesses to memory 1304 requested by processor 1302. Inparticular embodiments, memory 1304 includes random access memory (RAM).This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate Where appropriate,this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM). Moreover, whereappropriate, this RAM may be single-ported or multi-ported RAM. Thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory 1304 may include one ormore memories 1304, where appropriate. Although this disclosuredescribes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable memory.

In particular embodiments, storage 1306 includes mass storage for dataor instructions. As an example and not by way of limitation, storage1306 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), a floppy disk drive, flashmemory, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, magnetic tape, or aUniversal Serial Bus (USB) drive or a combination of two or more ofthese. Storage 1306 may include removable or non-removable (or fixed)media, where appropriate. Storage 1306 may be internal or external tocomputer system 1300, where appropriate. In particular embodiments,storage 1306 is non-volatile, solid-state memory. In particularembodiments, storage 1306 includes read-only memory (ROM). Whereappropriate, this ROM may be mask-programmed ROM, programmable ROM(PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM),electrically alterable ROM (EAROM), or flash memory or a combination oftwo or more of these. This disclosure contemplates mass storage 1306taking any suitable physical form. Storage 1306 may include one or morestorage control units facilitating communication between processor 1302and storage 1306, where appropriate. Where appropriate, storage 1306 mayinclude one or more storages 1306. Although this disclosure describesand illustrates particular storage, this disclosure contemplates anysuitable storage.

In particular embodiments, I/O interface 1308 includes hardware,software, or both, providing one or more interfaces for communicationbetween computer system 1300 and one or more I/O devices. Computersystem 1300 may include one or more of these I/O devices, whereappropriate. One or more of these I/O devices may enable communicationbetween a person and computer system 1300. As an example and not by wayof limitation, an I/O device may include a keyboard, keypad, microphone,monitor, mouse, printer, scanner, speaker, still camera, stylus, tablet,touch screen, trackball, video camera, another suitable I/O device or acombination of two or more of these. An I/O device may include one ormore sensors. This disclosure contemplates any suitable I/O devices andany suitable I/O interfaces 1308 for them. Where appropriate, I/Ointerface 1308 may include one or more device or software driversenabling processor 1302 to drive one or more of these I/O devices. I/Ointerface 1308 may include one or more I/O interfaces 1308, whereappropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates aparticular I/O interface, this disclosure contemplates any suitable I/Ointerface.

In particular embodiments, communication interface 1313 includeshardware, software, or both providing one or more interfaces forcommunication (such as, for example, packet-based communication) betweencomputer system 1300 and one or more other computer systems 1300 or oneor more networks. As an example and not by way of limitation,communication interface 1313 may include a network interface controller(NIC) or network adapter for communicating with an Ethernet or otherwire-based network or a wireless NIC (WNIC) or wireless adapter forcommunicating with a wireless network, such as a WI-FI network. Thisdisclosure contemplates any suitable network and any suitablecommunication interface 1313 for it. As an example and not by way oflimitation, computer system 1300 may communicate with an ad hoc network,a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), or one or moreportions of the Internet or a combination of two or more of these. Oneor more portions of one or more of these networks may be wired orwireless. As an example, computer system 1300 may communicate with awireless PAN (WPAN) (such as, for example, a BLUETOOTH WPAN), a WI-FInetwork, a WI-MAX network, a cellular telephone network (such as, forexample, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network), orother suitable wireless network or a combination of two or more ofthese. Computer system 1300 may include any suitable communicationinterface 1313 for any of these networks, where appropriate.Communication interface 1313 may include one or more communicationinterfaces 1313, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describesand illustrates a particular communication interface, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable communication interface.

In particular embodiments, bus 1312 includes hardware, software, or bothcoupling components of computer system 1300 to each other. As an exampleand not by way of limitation, bus 1312 may include an AcceleratedGraphics Port (AGP) or other graphics bus, an Enhanced Industry StandardArchitecture (EISA) bus, a front-side bus (FSB), a HYPERTRANSPORT (HT)interconnect, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, an INFINIBANDinterconnect, a low-pin-count (LPC) bus, a memory bus, a Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, aPCI-Express (PCIe) bus, a serial advanced technology attachment (SATA)bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association local (VLB) bus, oranother suitable bus or a combination of two or more of these. Bus 1312may include one or more buses 1312, where appropriate. Although thisdisclosure describes and illustrates a particular bus, this disclosurecontemplates any suitable bus or interconnect.

Herein, a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium or media mayinclude one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits(ICs) (such, as for example, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) orapplication-specific ICs (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid harddrives (HHDs), optical discs, optical disc drives (ODDs),magneto-optical discs, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppydisk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs),RAM-drives, SECURE DIGITAL cards or drives, any other suitablecomputer-readable non-transitory storage media, or any suitablecombination of two or more of these, where appropriate. Acomputer-readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile,non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, whereappropriate.

Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicatedotherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B”means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicatedotherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unlessexpressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,”unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the variousaspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or latercome to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expresslyincorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed bythe claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure isexplicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construedunder the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in thecase of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “stepfor.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or thelike is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similarto the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as atransitional word in a claim.

[81] The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes,substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the exampleembodiments described or illustrated herein that a person havingordinary skill in the art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosureis not limited to the example embodiments described or illustratedherein. Moreover, although this disclosure describes and illustratesrespective embodiments herein as including particular components,elements, feature, functions, operations, or steps, any of theseembodiments may include any combination or permutation of any of thecomponents, elements, features, functions, operations, or stepsdescribed or illustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinaryskill in the art would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in theappended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatusor system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to,enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular functionencompasses that apparatus, system, component, whether or not it or thatparticular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long asthat apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable,configured, enabled, operable, or operative. Additionally, although thisdisclosure describes or illustrates particular embodiments as providingparticular advantages, particular embodiments may provide none, some, orall of these advantages.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle mirror comprising: one or moreaccelerometers; a Bluetooth transceiver; a GPS transceiver; an on-boarddiagnostics (OBD) transceiver; one or more processors; and a memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorycomprising instructions executable by the one or more processors, theone or more processors being operable when executing the instructionsto: access OBD data received by the OBD transceiver from an OBD port ofa vehicle in which the vehicle mirror is installed; determine, from theOBD data determine, a vehicle type of the vehicle in which the vehiclemirror is installed, the vehicle type comprising either a combustionengine vehicle or an electric vehicle; determine, from the OBD data, achange in voltage of a battery of the vehicle; determine, from the OBDdata, a secondary factor of the vehicle; when the vehicle type isdetermined to be a combustion engine vehicle, transition the vehiclemirror from a sleep power state to an awake power state when the changein voltage is greater than a predetermined amount and the secondaryfactor of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold; whenthe vehicle type is determined to be an electric vehicle, transition thevehicle mirror from the sleep power state to the awake power state whenany activity is detected in the OBD data and the secondary factor of thevehicle is greater than the predetermined threshold; and transmit dataassociated with the OBD data for display in an embedded display of thevehicle mirror or on a client device.
 2. The vehicle mirror of claim 1,wherein the secondary factor comprises an RPM of the engine of thevehicle and the predetermined threshold comprises a threshold RPM. 3.The vehicle mirror of claim 1, wherein the secondary factor comprises anOBD speed of the vehicle and the predetermined threshold comprises athreshold speed.
 4. The vehicle mirror of claim 1, further comprisingone or more of the following: a compass/gyro unit; a thermistor; a TPMSreceiver; a speaker; a microphone; a WiFi communications unit; a radarunit; a lidar unit; a cellular communications unit; a battery; a camera;a solar charging system; and an RF communications unit.
 5. The vehiclemirror of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises: an automobile; amotorcycle; a recreational vehicle (RV); an all terrain vehicle (ATV); agolf cart; a construction vehicle; a tractor; or a truck.
 6. The vehiclemirror of claim 1, wherein the vehicle mirror communicates eitherwirelessly or via a wired connection to the OBD port of the vehicle. 7.The vehicle mirror of claim 1, wherein the sleep power state is areduced-power state from the awake power state.
 8. The vehicle mirror ofclaim 1, the one or more processors being further operable whenexecuting the instructions to: determine a GPS speed of the vehicle fromthe GPS transceiver; and transition the vehicle mirror from the sleeppower state to the awake power state when the GPS speed exceeds apredetermined speed.
 9. The vehicle mirror of claim 1, the one or moreprocessors being further operable when executing the instructions to:when the vehicle type is determined to be a combustion engine vehicle,transition the vehicle mirror from the sleep power state to the awakepower state when any activity is detected in the OBD data and thesecondary factor of the vehicle is greater than the predeterminedthreshold.
 10. The vehicle mirror of claim 1, wherein the dataassociated with the OBD data is transmitted to the client device usingthe Bluetooth transceiver.
 11. A vehicle mirror comprising: an on-boarddiagnostics (OBD) transceiver; one or more processors; and a memorycommunicatively coupled to the one or more processors, the memorycomprising instructions executable by the one or more processors, theone or more processors being operable when executing the instructionsto: access OBD data received by the OBD transceiver from an OBD port ofa vehicle in which the vehicle mirror is installed; determine, from theOBD data, a vehicle type of the vehicle in which the vehicle mirror isinstalled, the vehicle type comprising either a combustion enginevehicle or an electric vehicle; determine, from the OBD data, a changein voltage of a battery of the vehicle; determine, from the OBD data, asecondary factor of the vehicle; when the vehicle type is determined tobe a combustion engine vehicle, transition the vehicle mirror from asleep power state to an awake power state when the change in voltage isgreater than a predetermined amount and the secondary factor of thevehicle is greater than a predetermined threshold; and when the vehicletype is determined to be an electric vehicle, transition the vehiclemirror from the sleep power state to the awake power state when anyactivity is detected in the OBD data and the secondary factor of thevehicle is greater than the predetermined threshold.
 12. The vehiclemirror of claim 11, wherein the secondary factor comprises an RPM of theengine of the vehicle and the predetermined threshold comprises athreshold RPM.
 13. The vehicle mirror of claim 11, wherein the secondaryfactor comprises an OBD speed of the vehicle and the predeterminedthreshold comprises a threshold speed.
 14. The vehicle mirror of claim11, further comprising one or more of the following: a compass/gyrounit; a thermistor; a TPMS receiver; a speaker; a microphone; a WiFicommunications unit; a radar unit; a lidar unit; a cellularcommunications unit; a battery; a camera; a solar charging system; andan RF communications unit.
 15. The vehicle mirror of claim 11, whereinthe vehicle comprises: an automobile; a motorcycle; a recreationalvehicle (RV); an all terrain vehicle (ATV); a golf cart; a constructionvehicle; a tractor; or a truck.
 16. The vehicle mirror of claim 11,wherein the vehicle mirror communicates either wirelessly or via a wiredconnection to the OBD port of the vehicle.
 17. The vehicle mirror ofclaim 11, wherein the sleep power state is a reduced-power state fromthe awake power state.
 18. The vehicle mirror of claim 11, the one ormore processors being further operable when executing the instructionsto: determine a GPS speed of the vehicle from a GPS transceiver; andtransition the vehicle mirror from the sleep power state to the awakepower state when the GPS speed exceeds a predetermined speed.
 19. Thevehicle mirror of claim 11, the one or more processors being furtheroperable when executing the instructions to: when the vehicle type isdetermined to be a combustion engine vehicle, transition the vehiclemirror from the sleep power state to the awake power state when anyactivity is detected in the OBD data and the secondary factor of thevehicle is greater than the predetermined threshold.
 20. The vehiclemirror of claim 11, wherein the data associated with the OBD data istransmitted to a client device using a Bluetooth transceiver.